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Bucket list experience:

Nazca Lines

Nazca, Ica Region, Peru

The Nazca line in the shape of a spider, seen from above
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

A broad alluvial plain in the southern desert contains one of Peru’s most enigmatic sights: dozens of 2,000-year-old glyphs carved into the earth, on a scale so gargantuan that they can only be seen from the air. These land drawings of a monkey, spider and other figures have drawn legions of archaeologists, conspiracy theorists and curious travellers since they were first discovered in the 1920s.

The designs were made by removing reddish stones from the desert terrain to reveal the grey ground beneath. The windless, near-lifeless landscape preserved the glyphs over the centuries.

They were probably created over more than a millennium by three different groups: the Paracas, the Nazca and the Huari; but no one knows why. Explanations vary; they may have been used as a giant astronomical calendar, a ritualised walking meditation or to communicate with the gods.

Price from: £65
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The best way to see the lines is from the air. Many travellers visit on a day trip from Lima that includes a bus ride to the town of Nazca (or a flight to Ica), followed by a 30- or 60-minute light aircraft flight over the glyphs. Many of these excursions also stop at an observation tower about 20km north of Nazca on the Pan-American Highway, which allows for partial views of some of the glyphs. But it’s a long journey (5- to 7-hours’ drive each way). A full day-trip from Lima takes around 14 hours.

Travelling independently and overnighting in Ica (which is 120km away) or in Palpa or Nazca villages (both close to the lines) allows you to beat crowds and see the glyphs at leisure. Book flights in advance with companies like Alas Peruanas.

This is one of the driest deserts in the world: take high SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Temperatures drop after dark, so be sure to pack a jacket too.

When to do it

The Nazca Lines are accessible year-round. Clear mornings from June-August are best, when the sun is low on the horizon. The wind can pick up in the afternoon, impeding take-offs.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

3 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

Lima

3 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina
Must-visit destinations and unforgettable activities are located just a short distance from Lima. On this 3-day tour, travel stress-free to the beach town of Paracas, the sunny Huacachina, and the mysterious Nazca. See the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, sandboard down huge sand dunes, and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. A perfect mix of nature and adventure!

Price: $279

Rating 4.89 / 5 [47 ratings]

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The Nazca Lines & Buggy at Huacachina Oasis - full day from Lima

Lima

The Nazca Lines & Buggy at Huacachina Oasis - full day from Lima
A flight over the Nazca lines is an experience everyone must do. Considered world heritage by UNESCO. Come with us to discover the mysterious and enigmatic figures that an old pre-Inca civilization made in the south of Lima 1500 years ago. The flight (from Nazca City) gives a feeling about their diversity and spread over the land. Moreover, you have a beautiful view about the landscape around. We include in the package The Huacachina Oasis and dune buggy tour in the desert.

Price: $399

Rating 4.87 / 5 [39 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Nazca Lines and Huacachina Oasis from Lima

Lima

Nazca Lines and Huacachina Oasis from Lima
The Nazca Lines represent one of the greatest wonders of Peru, and one of the most visited destinations by tourists from around the world. It is impressive to witness the works of an ancient culture, and obviously it raises certain questions: How could they be perfectly designed in this great desert? What were the exact purposes? How did such an ancient civilization create these majestic figures? Will the figure of the astronaut mean something special?

Price: $435

Rating 4.73 / 5 [19 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Mysterious Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis - Exclusive and Unique Excursion

Lima

Mysterious Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis - Exclusive and Unique Excursion
This is an exclusive way to explore the amazing south of Peru. We go on private transportation to our airport to take our flight to Nazca Lines! We pick you up from your accommodation to start our adventure. It's a long drive to Nazca but it worth it. While enjoying the views, our guide will give you meaningful information about Peru and its pre-hispanic cultures, including Nazca Culture. We check in at the airport. As soon as the plane takes off, you will enjoy the magic of the Peruvian desert. Observe the 13 figures discovered in Nazca desert and get the best adventure on the air. After the flight, get your flight certificate, you will keep this trip in your heart and memory forever. Later, we head to Ica city where we are having a local lunch, our guide will let you know the different options we have. After lunch, we go on a thrilling adventure on the sand buggies! We will have our sandboard equipment to slide down from the sand dunes in Huacachina! Cultural & Fun!

Price: $490

Rating 4.86 / 5 [36 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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From Lima: Ballestas, Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis

Lima

From Lima: Ballestas, Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis
The adventure starts early in the morning on the Panamerican highway. Around 300 km. on the South of Lima is located Paracas Bay, a very important place for Peruvian history and full of wildlife. First thing to do in Paracas is the boat tour to Ballestas Islands place full of birds, sea lions, dolphins, penguins, etc. After the majestic Ballestas, is time to go to the local Airport to do the flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. The next adventure is at the Huacachina Oasis, where there is some time for lunch and walk around, or just enjoy free time with Pisco Sours. At the end of this experience, is time to go back to Lima through the same way. * The Nazca Lines flight schedule is given by the airline 24 before the tour. This could affect the order in which the other activities are done. Example: first Ballestas Islands, then Huacachina Oasis and at the end the flight.

Price: $550

Rating 4.74 / 5 [47 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Peru

Peru

Peru

A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu.

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